Introduction to Kagoshima Prefecture
The charm of Kagoshima Prefecture is, after all, its many gourmet foods, sake, hot springs, nature, and world heritage sites, and there are many places to visit. There are several regions in Japan that offer many gourmet foods and hot springs, but Kagoshima Prefecture is one of the few regions where you can enjoy not only gourmet foods and hot springs, but also nature and world heritage sites at the same time. However, despite being a very attractive region, it is rarely ranked among the top tourist destinations in Japan. That is understandable, as this is the southernmost tip of Kyushu. The problem seems to be that it is too far away and difficult to get to. However, if you have time to spare, Kagoshima Prefecture might be a good candidate for your trip. Now we will introduce its charms!
Geographic location
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southernmost tip of Kyushu, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east and the East China Sea to the west. The prefectural capital is Kagoshima City.
History & Culture
Kagoshima Prefecture has the following history and culture.
- History of the Satsuma Domain: Kagoshima Prefecture was the domain of the Satsuma Domain during the Edo period. The Satsuma clan was ruled by the great Shimazu clan of Japan, and is so important that it appears in history textbooks.
- Sakurajima: An active volcano located off the coast of Kagoshima City. The eruption of Sakurajima has had a major impact on the history of Kagoshima.
- Satsuma-yaki: This traditional craft is representative of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is characterized by its vivid red and yellow colors.
Tourist attraction
Kagoshima Prefecture is dotted with many tourist attractions, some of which are introduced below.
Sakurajima (island)
Sakurajima is an active volcano that can be seen from downtown Kagoshima. It is only a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Kagoshima. You can experience Sakurajima on a guided walking tour, view it from the sea on a kayak, relax while soaking in a hot spring, or charter a small plane and see the wild Sakurajima from the air.
Kirishima Shrine
The shrine is one of the three major Shinto shrines in Japan and has long been a place of worship. It has also become more precious because the main shrine and its accompanying buildings were designated as national treasures in 2022. Prayers at this shrine are believed to grant various wishes related to life, including prayers for success in entrance exams and protection from bad luck.
Hot spring
Kagoshima Prefecture is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Kirishima Onsen, with its variety of hot springs including sulfur springs, and Ibusuki Onsen, famous for its sand steam baths, are both not to be missed. Both are highly recommended, but the Ibusuki sand steam bath is a unique experience, so why not give it a try?
Yakushima, Amami Oshima
The island is registered as a World Natural Heritage site and has a rich natural environment.
Yakushima Island: The island’s abundant nature, including virgin forests of giant trees such as the Yakusugi cedar and a diverse array of flora and fauna, is an attraction. It is also known as the setting for the Ghibli film “Princess Mononoke,” which is the pride of Japan.
Amami Oshima: The island is characterized by white sandy beaches, the clear Amami blue ocean, and mountains rich in nature. Experiences in the ocean and rivers (diving, canoeing, cruising, surfing, whale watching, etc.) are recommended.
Food culture
Kagoshima’s food culture is characterized by fresh seafood and local cuisine, which is appreciated by tourists.
Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork
It is a brand-name pork representing Kagoshima Prefecture. It is characterized by its sweet fatty meat and rich flavor. It can be enjoyed as yakiniku or shabushabu.
Keihan
It is a soul food of the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is a dish of cooked rice topped with chicken, egg omelet, shiitake mushrooms, etc., and served with chicken broth. The flavor of the chicken soaks into the rice, giving it an exquisite taste.
Satsuma age
This is a local dish of Kagoshima Prefecture. Seafood and vegetables are wrapped in batter and deep fried. It is a popular dish eaten anywhere in Japan, but Kagoshima Prefecture is especially famous for it.
Kagoshima ramen
Although it looks like Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Kagoshima ramen is characterized by the rich flavor of pork bones with chicken bones and seafood added. The noodles are thin and you can eat as many bowls as you want, so watch out for weight gain.
Shochu
Sake is the most famous sake in Japan, but please learn about shochu as well. Shochu is a distilled liquor made from sweet potatoes and barley. The most common distilled liquors are whiskey and tequila. If you like whiskey and tequila, maybe you will like shochu too? You can enjoy it on the rocks, with water, or with tea.
Activities
There is a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Sakurajima Sightseeing
Visitors can observe the volcanic activity of Sakurajima up close. In addition to walking, visitors can view Sakurajima by sea kayak or chartered aircraft, and a variety of other activities are available.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine visit
It is one of the three major Shinto shrines in Japan and has long been a place of worship. It is a power spot that fulfills your wishes in life.
Kinko Bay Cruise
You will enjoy cruising by cruiser while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Sakurajima. The cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours, so you can enjoy it for a long time.
Yakushima Sightseeing
The entire island is an active tourist destination. You can tour the island, which is registered as a World Natural Heritage site, with its rich natural environment.
Amami Oshima Sightseeing
If you want to experience the Amami blue sea, one of the clearest in Japan, why not go to Amami Oshima? Because of the mild climate, you can wear a bathing suit from April to November. In addition to ocean activities, you can also experience island songs and shamisen (three-stringed instrument). Why not experience the island’s culture?
Yakushima Sightseeing
The entire island is an active tourist destination. You can tour the island, which is registered as a World Natural Heritage site, with its rich natural environment.
Seasonal Recommendations
Kagoshima Prefecture offers attractive events and activities in each of the four seasons.
Spring
- Cherry blossoms on Sakurajima: Cherry blossoms blooming on the volcanic ash ground created by Sakurajima’s volcanic activity are fantastically beautiful.
- Azaleas on Sakurajima: The azaleas on the mountains of Sakurajima are a spectacular sight to behold with their colorful blooms.
- Amami Oshima Sea Opening: Due to the mild climate of the area, visitors can enter the sea from early spring.
Summer
- Sea bathing: Kagoshima Prefecture has many beautiful beaches. In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming and marine sports.
- Yakushima Nature Experience: Visitors can enjoy the rich nature of Yakushima by trekking and canoeing.
Autumn
- Kinko Bay Autumn Foliage: The mountains surrounding Kinko Bay are spectacular in their autumn foliage.
- Yakushima Autumn Leaves: The autumn leaves of the mountains of Yakushima are different in beauty from those of Kinko Bay.
Winter
- Enjoying hot springs while viewing snowy scenery: In parts of Kagoshima Prefecture, snow falls in winter. Visitors can enjoy hot springs while viewing the snowy scenery.
- Kurobuta Shabu Shabu: In the cold winter, shabu shabu made with Kagoshima’s brand-name pork, Kurobuta, is recommended.
Local Culture
Kagoshima is rooted in outdoor activities, and local festivals are very popular.
Festival
- Kagoshima Oharamatsuri: This festival is representative of Kagoshima Prefecture. Gorgeous floats are displayed in this gorgeous festival.
- Yakushima no Kami Mai: This is an old traditional performing art of Yakushima. It is a dance to worship the gods and has a mysterious atmosphere.
Traditional crafts
- Satsuma-yaki: This traditional craft is representative of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is characterized by its vivid red and yellow colors.
- Amami Oshima textile: This is a traditional textile of Amami Oshima. It is characterized by traditional dyeing such as indigo and mud dyeing.
Transportation
Kagoshima can be accessed by the following methods
Airplane
From Haneda Airport to Kagoshima Airport takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Shinkansen
There is no direct Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station, but you can take the Shinkansen “Nozomi” from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station and change to the Shinkansen “Mizuho” to get to Kagoshima Chuo Station. It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes one way.
Express Bus
There is no direct bus service from Tokyo to Kagoshima, but there is a route from Tokyo to Hakata and then from Hakata to Kagoshima. It takes about 19 hours including transfer time, but it is not impossible to get there. However, it is not recommended.
Lastly
Kagoshima offers a fascinating experience for visitors to Japan as a place that blends its natural beauty, historical sites, delicious food, and unique culture. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, hot springs, fresh seafood, historical sites, and a unique culture.